Living in Ithaca

Tips for finding a place to live in Ithaca while you complete your academics.

On-Campus Housing

Ithaca College offers a Senior and Graduate Housing Community for on-campus living and dining. Please email housing@ithaca.edu with questions and if you are interested in securing a spot. 

Off Campus Housing

If you prefer to live off campus, you have many options from which to choose. A searchable map is available at Live in Ithaca to help you get to know areas both within Ithaca and in neighboring towns. Ithaca College is located on South Hill and is accessible by foot (uphill for most!) and the TCAT Route 11 bus. Our Physician Assistant Program also has a downtown location on the Ithaca Commons (three TCAT bus stops are near it: Seneca Street, Green Street, and the Marriott). Limited parking is available on campus and downtown; many students find it more convenient to walk or ride the bus.   

This is a photo of downtown Ithaca, the street corner of Viva restaurant and the Alehouse. There is a white crosswalk and a person riding a bike.
Krystal Cannon
Krystal Cannon

Thinking about What You Need

There is no one "perfect" neighborhood in Ithaca for graduate students, so take time to think about what is important to you before searching for housing. This will help you narrow your search and find a living situation that best fits your needs. Some questions you may want to ask yourself include:

  • Do I prefer to live alone or with roommates?

  • What are the top 3 or 4 things that are most important for my living arrangement (e.g., close to bus, air conditioning, near shops)? 

  • What amenities are important (e.g., washer/dryer in the apartment or building, on-site parking, accepts pets, etc.)? 

  • What is my rental budget? 

  • How long of a lease do I want (note that many leases in Ithaca require a 12-month commitment)?

Finding Housing

There are a few options for searching for housing:

Please note that Ithaca College does not endorse any of these housing search engines nor the landlords or properties. We assume no responsibility for disputes between tenants or sites or between tenants and any landlord or property. We strongly encourage you to see properties in person if possible, read lease agreements and payment terms carefully, and seek assistance from the Ithaca Tenants Union should you have questions about tenants rights and responsibilities.

Utility Providers

If your rental requires that you pay for utilities, these are the most common utility providers in the Ithaca area: